THE YOUTH Arise Movement has vehemently opposed the decision of the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, to rename The Polytechnic, Ibadan, after the late Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, the institution’s first rector.
In a press statement signed by Comrade Ademola Babatunde Abidemi, former Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of the institution and National Coordinator of the Youth Arise Movement, the group acknowledged the governor’s intention to immortalize the late Olunloyo but insisted that the negative implications of the name change far outweigh the benefits.
The statement highlighted the institution’s global recognition for technical education and its contributions to producing highly skilled graduates within and outside Nigeria.
The group argued that the proposed name, Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, could diminish the school’s international standing, making it appear “like an elementary school recently established” in the age of artificial intelligence and global academic competitiveness.
It also expressed concerns that the name change could hinder graduates seeking further education abroad, as foreign institutions may struggle with the new name’s acceptability.
The group questioned the rationale behind honouring Olunloyo, stating that his tenure as governor was marked by “stunted growth” for the institution.
“Governor Seyi Makinde has not highlighted any significant contributions of the late Olunloyo to warrant renaming the institution after him. He will face an uphill task convincing students, parents, alumni, and stakeholders on this decision,” the statement read.
Rather than renaming the institution, the group urged Governor Makinde to focus on improving infrastructure, research funding, and human capital development to elevate the school’s status.
The group also argued that The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has the potential to become a university and should not be subjected to what they termed an “unnecessary” name change.
The Youth Arise Movement proposed that other landmarks, such as roads or Cocoa House, could be named after the late Olunloyo instead of altering the polytechnic’s identity. It also called on the Oyo State House of Assembly to reject the governor’s proposal, describing it as an attempt to “ridicule the great institution.”
“We plead with the governor not to undermine the core values of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, for cheap political gains,” the statement concluded.
The rejection by the Youth Arise Movement adds to the growing dissent among students, alumni, and stakeholders who believe the institution’s legacy should remain intact. As debates intensify, pressure mounts on Governor Makinde to reconsider his decision or provide stronger justifications for the renaming.
For now, the future of the institution’s name hangs in the balance, with many calling for preservation over political symbolism.
